That is exactly the point(s) I was trying to make when I suggested keeping
the spray bar easily within reach. I went through the spray bar thing as
well, and ended up taking it out. I had it for quite a while, but they do
clog up eventually. Also, if for some reason, any of the pumps suck any
solid materials up (like sand) it gets dumped into the spray bar where it
will clog the holes as well. I like the spray bars, but if I was to use one
again, I think I would keep it towards the top of the reef where I could
EASILY get to it to clean or fix it.
Another thought is, instead of a spray bar, use one pump and split the
return then run 2 pvc pipes up and over the back of the tank (in a U) then
down behind the reef, equal distances a part (say 2 or 3 feet in from each
side of the tank). Leave them open on the ends, but use a ball valve in line
so if there is too much flow from one, the other or both, you can reduce it.
You could also use some Locline with the dual ouptput and split both of the
PVC ends with it. That would allow you to blast the flow in 4 directions. It
would be easier to remove (if needed) and would not plug up, the
backpressure on the pump would be minimal and it would only take one pump to
run it, since there really wouldn't be any back pressure. If it turned out
not to be enough flow, it would also be easier to just add another pump and
run one pump to each output (although I really doubt that would happen). Is
this clear at all or did I just confuse the crap out of everyone?
I am sure Ron has his specific reasons behind suggesting the spray bar, and
with his success it is hard to argue with it, but these are just a couple of
things to think about....
FWIW
Shane C.
-----Original Message-----
From: Joe Stiene [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2001 6:04 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: RE: Spray Bars Behind Rock
Just a note of experience; I built this spray bar and it worked
great but there are a few things to consider when you do it.
1.) After about a year, the holes will start to calcify and close up
in some spots. Various hard crusted life forms grew on my spray bar by the
holes. This caused circulation to slow down in some spots. It was
difficult to get my hand down to some areas of the spray bar to open the
holes back up with a sharp object because of the rock work.
2.) You will have strong water flow evenly across the entire bottom
of the tank. You may or may not like this. After a while I noticed some
corals just would not open up all the way because I could not control the
water flow in specific spots of the tank.
3.) I decided to add a dsb (Deep sand bed). This was the deciding
factor that made me remove the spray bar and plumb a dual return to each top
corner of the tank. I now have a circular water motion in the tank and can
control certain areas of the tank for low motion if I want to.
Just some thoughts for you to consider. The spray bar is nice, as I
used it for quite a long term.
Joe
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2001 1:12 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: Spray Bars Behind Rock
That is basically what Ron suggested to me. Running two
iwaki 70's from my
sump and plumbing them into either end of a 1" spraybar with
5/16" holes
drilled every inch at the bottom of the tank blowing down
toward the bottom
of the tank.
Glen
________________________________________
LEAVING THE LIST
================
To stop receiving messages you will need to send a message to
[EMAIL PROTECTED] with a command to remove you from the list. The list
manager controls who belongs to the list.
For example:
--------------------------------------------------------------
From: John Doe <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: <not needed>
UNSUBSCRIBE
--------------------------------------------------------------
